Defiant United fans pledge to turn world green and gold with a million protesters

05 Mar 2010 17:36:56

The group behind Manchester United fan's 'green and gold' campaign against the Glazer family, believe they can get a million people from around the world to join their protest.
Sean Bones, vice-chairman of The Manchester United Supporters Trust made the claims after membership of the group doubled from 53,000 to 106,000 in just two days.
'The aim now is to take (the protest) from the Old Trafford Stadium to the whole supporter base around the world and we're getting photos of fans in places like, Singapore, America, everywhere.'
United fan: A supporter with the merchandise behind the protest
The main catalyst behind the sudden surge in memberships is due to a group of financiers, who are United fans, known as the Red Knights, who have revealed plans to put together a bid to buy the club from the Glazer family for around £1.15billion.
The green and gold campaign is based on the colours of United's forerunners, Newton Heath, and is a visible protest towards the owners of United, who have run up debts of over £716Million.
'To the Glazers, it's a brand and one of their greatest fears is that this protest will affect the merchandising arm of the club. If you're wearing a green-and-gold scarf you're less likely to go in the club shop and buy United merchandise.'
Gathering momentum: The 'Green and Gold' presence was clear to see at Wembley during the Carling Cup Final
MUST also attacked the Glazer family on their ticket policy at Old Tarfford.
'You had the Glazers coming in and saying, "we are going to raise ticket prices, we don't care if you've been here 40 years or not, if you can't afford them, goodbye". Now ordinary supporters are struggling to afford to go to games.'
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made clear he has no problems with the protest, jokingly claiming that 'all sinners' are welcome at the ground, but also stated that the sale of the club would be unlikely.
'I have no issue with the Red Knights,' said the Scot. 'I know some of them. I don't deny them their right to protest. But David Gill summed it up earlier this week. The club is not forsale. He has made it quite clear. The Glazer family have said it is notfor sale.'
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